The calculation
Theoretical return = total wagered × RTP ÷ 100. Expected net result = theoretical return − total wagered. Expected loss is the same difference expressed as a cost, and house edge = 100% − RTP.
Total wagering is the sum of every stake, including money played again after a payout. For a fixed bet size, multiply the stake by the number of rounds. When stakes change, add the individual bets.
At $1,000 wagered and 96% RTP, theoretical return is $960, expected net result is −$40, and expected loss is $40. These are averages implied by the entered RTP.
Compare the same amount of play
Holding total wagering constant makes the effect of different RTP assumptions visible. These examples all use $1,000 in total wagers.
| RTP | House edge | Theoretical return | Expected loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94% | 6% | $940 | $60 |
| 96% | 4% | $960 | $40 |
| 98% | 2% | $980 | $20 |
Read your recorded session
Observed return = total returned ÷ total wagered × 100. Total returned includes stakes paid back with wins and pushes. Deposits, withdrawals, and account transfers alone do not provide a complete wagering record.
If you wagered $800 and received $760 back, observed return is 95% and your net session result is −$40. A $240 return on $200 wagered gives 120% observed return and a $40 gain. A zero wagering total has no defined return percentage.
A recorded percentage describes that sample. It does not establish the game's underlying theoretical RTP or show that future results will compensate for a previous loss.
What RTP can explain
The same RTP can result from frequent small prizes or rare large prizes. RTP alone cannot give the chance of finishing ahead, a likely session range, or the probability that a bankroll will last.
Use the published RTP for the exact game version and rules. A casino name does not identify its configuration. The Gambling Commission reference below explains the mathematical meaning of RTP; its jurisdiction-specific rules are outside this calculator.
Common questions
Does 96% RTP mean a $100 deposit returns $96?
The percentage applies to total wagering over extensive play. Your deposit may fund repeated wagers, and your session result can differ substantially from the theoretical average.
What happens when entered RTP exceeds 100%?
The arithmetic produces an expected gain and a negative house edge. Check that the number and the assumptions behind it apply to the play you are modeling.
Sources and assumptions
References checked November 3, 2026. Tax and provider rules can change.